We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jarrett Michael Collins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jarrett Michael below.

Hi Jarrett Michael, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I would say the most meaningful project I’ve worked on is “Willie’s Letter” written by Vanessa Westbrooke and Kiana Woodson. I play the title character Willie Lynch, A depressed, failure-ridden father who contemplates life while attempting to hold on to his silver lining: his son. It’s a powerful touching film that tells a needed story on a topic that is really important to not only myself but so many other people, which is Mental Health Awareness. I can’t think of one person that does not know someone that is having a hard time or has been battling any internal or external pain or mental illness for lord knows how long. I’m very grateful to have worked with everyone on the project because it’s a project that will forever sit with me. I believe has an impact on anyone who watches, and I hope the film gets more light shone on it. It deserves it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jarrett Michael Collins, and I am a Writer, Actor, Coach, Singer, and Music Producer. I’ve been on this Artistic Journey for about 14 years. I am most proud of the work I’ve been able to do as a creative over the past 10 years but I also realize that I have a lot more to learn, grow and contribute. I work with people and have in many capacities for most of my life. Honestly, if I wasn’t in the Arts I’d probably have been a Teacher or in psychology. Just to be able to help people has been a focus and joy of mine for several years and I want to improve in all aspects of how I can be of service to the community.

As an Actor, I have been in many different types of content, ranging from Music Videos (where I got my start) to local and national commercials, tv shows, web series, and movies. Be it powerful shorts or feature films, I have been blessed on my journey.

As a Musician, I have written and produced for dozens of artists, on several different levels. Independently, I’ve released a few projects that we creative efforts that I am proud of. What I really look forward to is the work I’m doing across both mediums, film, and music, going into 2023.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For Me, the most rewarding aspect of being an Artist is getting the chance to not only create your own stories and worlds, and universes, but through the gift of collaboration, play with others in their own creative ventures. It’s a very rewarding experience but also one where the kid in you gets to come out to have fun. I especially love getting the opportunity to experience life, to explore a bit. I make it a habit to Center and ground myself and just reflect. It’s a useful way of giving back to your craft, since so much of what we do as artists rely on us being present and feeling. The fruits of your labor also have a nice vibe to them. The bravery that we artists have; to take a piece of our heart and put it out there for the world to see and judge. Who cares what people think at the same time, we care. I also have the blessed opportunity to Coach other Actors who want to learn about the industry and to just be better Actors. I can’t even tell you how many wonderfully talented individuals I’ve come in contact with through TBRATL. Many who have gone on to do amazing things are currently on your Tv screens and in your Movie Theatres and Stages. I am a lover of Improv, especially which allows the creative kid in me to explode. All in all, just putting yourself out there. It’s scary but exhilarating. To Me, there’s no greater reward than that.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The first was when I took on the responsibility of running a class that I helped create called The Booking Room ATL. It is one of the most impactful things that has ever happened in my life and has a major place in shaping me as the Actor I am today. The 2nd? Covid and the Pandemic. Pre 2020 I was very proud of the strides I was making. Going into that year no one could have expected what hit us. It made me take a step back and evaluate a lot in my career, and while it had its setbacks, it also encouraged my writing and creativity. I even traveled more in 2020 for work than I have ever traveled, for anything. So while I, like many others, still recovering from it, I am appreciative of the growth I have had for it has really shaped my outlook and energy for the future. Salute to everyone that continues to push and fight through adversity and go head-on with whatever obstacles life has to throw at you. It’s not easy but we are all trying to figure it out man.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jarrett.michael
• Facebook: Jarrett Michael Collins
• Other: My website is on its way so please, follow me via socials to stay up to date and in touch.

Image Credits
Torique Kenyae Artimio Blackburn